Kill Switch calls it quits

When you think of Mankato bands, there are a core group that come to mind. They’re the ones who have been plugging away at this music thing, playing any bar or club that will have them, to satisfy a core fan base that has grown over the years, but also to continue to grow as musicians and attract new listeners.

These hard-working musicians definitely have to love what they do. And, certainly, metal band Kill Switch — which has been at the helm of Mankato’s metal scene since 1998 — has loved it for the past 12 years.

“We have been holding down the heavy side of things in this town for about 10 years,” said Dan Wiechert of the band. “We’ve had the pleasure of playing an arena show — not very many bands of our stature can say that.”

But, there comes a time for every band when it’s time to move on. Kill Switch will perform its last gig Saturday night (5/8) at Midtown Tavern. And if you’ve never been to a show, now’s definitely the time to see what you’ve been missing. For those of you who have taken in a Kill Switch show, now’s the time to be reminded of what you will miss.

Guitarist Mark Bassett and drummer Jeremy Bode formed the band in 1998 after playing in a series of cover bands. Bassist Ben Jacobson was added in 1999, rhythm guitarist Mark Holman joined in 2000 and vocalist Danny Wiechert joined in 2005.

Kill Switch has prided itself on playing “skull-crushing, riff-oriented, groove-induced power-metal” over the years and call themselves “pure metalists” when describing their music.

Recordings have included demo CDs “Beta 1.0” and “Beta 2.0,” as well as 2004’s “What Doesn’t Kill Us ... ” and 2008’s “The Disaster Image.” They’ve opened for Drowning Pool, Saliva and American Head Charge.

Truly, a Mankato music scene success story.

Revilwen, Avado, The Hot Rod Heaters (featuring Bassett of Kill Switch) and Angry Waters (featuring Wiechert of Kill Switch) will also perform Saturday at Midtown.

Do right by mom this Mother's Day

I think we all can agree, "Mom" is a special lady. So let's do right by her this Sunday. Some guys are notorious for rotten Mother's Day gifts. So if you don't have a significant other to shop for you, read this article for things to avoid doing. I found myself nodding my head the whole time reading.

We want your pet stories

Pets on Parade, a blog dedicated to your funny and cutesy pet stories, just went live. Check it out at http://mankatopets.blogspot.com/ and be sure to submit your pet pics and stories.

Countdown begins for lemon-rasp. scones at the Hag

For all of those who pop into the Hag hoping - nay, PRAYING - that there will be lemon-raspberry scones sitting pretty behind the plastic case, I have an update. I called the Hag and was told they will return in about a month.

I did not ask follow-up questions, but my hunch is that raspberries aren't in season yet, which is what has caused the long period we have gone without. Not much we or the Hag can do about that. All we can do is look forward to their triumphant return. When they're back, I'll be sure to post about it here.

The countdown begins.

Neko, Hogan, Dylan amazing at the Fitz

I went to the Fitzgerald in St. Paul last night for Neko Case, despite the fact that Jakob Dylan was the headliner. Let there be no confusion about that. I can now say firsthand that Neko has the most beautiful voice in the whole wide world. Believe it.

However, the Neko experience turned out to be only part of what I loved about last night's show.

I don't know much about Jakob Dylan. I had the album everybody else had when he was frontman of the Wallflowers. (Ask me about his dad, on the other hand, and I will rattle off a thousand words on how he's the single most important and gifted contemporary musician, and I honestly don't know through what smudgy lens I would view music had I never set ears on "Blonde on Blonde.") And that's probably a good thing going into the concert. I had a clean slate.

I remember the Wallflowers as being an OK pop-rock band with a couple of OK hits and an interesting-sounding frontman. You certainly can't deny there's a bit of Bob in that voice. Last night, with Three Legs, Jakob seemed to have found a sound that completely suited him. And, I must say, it's a sound reminiscent of some of his father's best work: down-home, rock-country, lyrics that speak to the troubles of common people, with soaring back-up vocals by the wonderful Neko and Kelly Hogan. Voices so smooth and true, you want to close your eyes to take it all in.

I had imagined Jakob wouldn't talk or smile much. But he engaged with the audience and teased Neko a bit on stage. It was neat to see how much he clearly admired her talent. They sang a duet that was absolutely beautiful called "Smile When You Call Me That." Their voices seem to complement each other so well, hers so high and melodic and his so low and gritty. I wouldn't have minded her singing a couple of songs on her own. But she sang on every song, so no real complaints.

Overall, the show was low-key, very intimate and if you like alt-country, you definitely had a good time. The 90-minute set featured songs from Jakob's "Women + Country" album, his latest, "Seeing Things," from 2008, and also those Wallflower hits that I'm sure he can't get away with not playing. But instead of rushing through it like an obligation, he seemed to still enjoy playing "Sixth Avenue Heartache" and "Three Marlenas." And, my god, that is so appreciated. (On a side note, I went a Counting Crows-slash-John Mayer concert in 2003. Counting Crows had been playing their first hit, "Mr. Jones," for 10 years, meaning about 10,000 times, and still totally got into it -- changing the arrangement and putting a lot of energy into the song. John Mayer had been playing his first single for about 10 minutes: rushed through it, didn't care, stank up the stage.)

By the way, there isn't a single bad seat in the house at the Fitzgerald. I was in the fifth row of the first balcony and it felt like I could climb right onto the stage (which had various area rugs for the musicians to stand on and a large four-piece tapestry in the backdrop of a dry countryside with a tumbleweed in the foreground and a telephone pole in the distance.) If you get the chance to see a show at the Fitzgerald or especially to see a show on this particular tour, definitely go. Amazing show.

Neko concert added to vacation checklist

Neko Case!!! I'm going to the Fitzgerald tomorrow night (that would be Tuesday, in the event this blog entry is found and read later on this week) to see Jacob Dylan and Neko. Sometimes you just have to get the hell out of Dodge, you know?

On vacation this week, and I have the most domestic list of items to achieve: plant flowers, scavenge for rocks to landscape with, get a jump on painting the garage. Uhhhh. So I had heard about the Neko and Dylan concert on The Current and, on a whim, looked it up this morning. Turns out it's tomorrow night, so I checked for tickets and was able to score a seat in the front part of the first balcony. Not bad AT ALL. I had to have at least one super fun vacationy event on the ol' roster.

So, I'll fill you in on how it was. ... On a side note, wouldn't it be amazing if Riverfront Park turned out to be a venue for concerts like this? Neko at dusk outside by the river? Amaaaazing. Dare to dream.

Seth Aaron takes it all on 'Runway'!

The right person definitely won "Project Runway" last night. Seth Aaron had a great point of view, never shied away from it, and last night took it to a new level of sophistication.

The ever-arrogant "eSosa" (Emilio) on the other hand, got what he deserved. He took the elegance out of the equation for his collection, even though the runway show is supposed to be full of show-stoppers. Here comes a line of bright red sports wear, and one great dress. He's been so awful to other contestants, so disrespectful to Tim Gunn and so IN LOVE WITH HIMSELF that I couldn't help but smile as he was asked to leave the runway. "You are out." Indeed! ... Then came the biggest sore loser comment I've ever heard: "You don't have to be the winner to wear the crown," he said. Jeez. Get over yourself, dummy.

The reunion show right afterward was intersting. Emilio was still whining that he didn't win, embarrassing himself. And then they showed clips of his nastiness to throw in his face. But mostly it was the models and designers bickering amongst each other. Jay, who came in fourth, at one point said one of the models had "bad teeth and thick legs." It got awkwardly quiet, and then everyone told him how mean he was. What a butthead.

Anyway, I'm glad it's over. This season was weirdly boring. I need a break. I hope they wait a while before starting up again.